Vice Ganda exclaims after receiving FDCP award: ‘Thank you Lord because I continue to win’

Vice Ganda. Image: screengrab from Facebook/It’s Showtime

Vice Ganda, who was honored by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for his contribution to Philippine comedy, has nothing but gratitude as he dedicated his recent feat to his fans and to the late director Wenn Deramas.

The “It’s Showtime” host was not able to attend FDCP’s awarding ceremony last Sept. 29, and instead expressed his appreciation for the national film agency during the noontime show’s Sept. 30 episode.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Film Development Council of the Philippines for considering me to be one of the few celebrities na binigyan niyo ng parangal o tropeyo,” the comedian said.

“This is just very timely. As usual, the design is very consistent—’yung after a few days may award,” he said, seemingly alluding to the current issues he and “It’s Showtime” are involved in. “Alam na alam ng madlang people ‘yan. Gets na gets na nila ‘yan.”

Vice Ganda went on to pay tribute to all the directors he had worked with, especially Deramas whom the comedian credited for giving him the opportunity to make a name for himself in the local film industry.

“Direk Wenn, habambuhay kaming magpapasalamat sa’yo at hindi ka mawawala sa aming isip, sa puso namin,” the TV host stated. “Si Direk Wenn kasi, napakalalim ng itinanim niya sa aming mga anak niya na hanggang ngayon ay damang-dama namin, at hanggang ngayon naniniwala ako na damang-dama pa rin siya ng Filipino audience at hinahanap-hanap si Direk Wenn lalo na tuwing Pasko.”

The “Petrang Kabayo” star also thanked Viva Films, Star Cinema, ABS-CBN executives, “It’s Showtime” family, his partner Ion Perez and the madlang people, who he said continuously support and love him “unconditionally.”

“Buong pagmamayabang ko namang ipini-flex ang award na ito sa lahat ng mga… alam mo na,” he said, apparently referring to his naysayers. “I apologize. Hindi ko naman sinasadyang pikahin nanaman kayo sa award na ito.”

“Maraming natutuwa, maraming masayang-masaya para sa akin at alam kong marami nanamang tumataas ang kilay at marami nanamang nabu-bwisit dahil sa award na ito,” he added.

Vice Ganda then commended his fellow awardee Michael V., with the “It’s Showtime” host agreeing to the latter’s sentiment that being a comedian has become very difficult given the restrictions in society.

“Ako naniniwala ako na napakalaking bagay ng komedya na ginagawa namin,” Vice Ganda said. “Maraming nagsasabi na ang panget ng pelikula ko, ang basura ng mga pelikula ko. Pero….masayang-masaya ako na kaya maraming nanonood ng pelikula ko ay dahil ito ang ginagawang pangtakas ng napakaraming Pilipino sa nararamdaman nilang lungkot, galit at kawalan ng pag-asa.”

“Thank you, Lord because I continue to win,” he exclaimed.

Aside from Vice Ganda and Michael V., the FDCP also honored TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon), Ai-Ai delas Alas and Eugene Domingo.

Vice Ganda’s FDCP recognition came amid the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board’s (MTRCB) suspension order on “It’s Showtime.” The noontime show still airs on its platforms as the ruling is “not yet final and executory.”

The suspension stemmed from Vice Ganda and Perez’s alleged “indecent” acts during the noontime show’s July 25 episode.  /ra